A Watch in the Shadows

I walked soundlessly down the dim corridor and stopped behind the heavy iron legs of the coat rack. A thick, dark winter coat hung above me, draping down like a heavy curtain and cutting off the ambient light. On the floor lay a forgotten brass safety pin, closed and solid. I paused, tilting my head sideways to observe its small clasp. Slowly, I reached down with the edge of my miniature blade and pushed against the loop. It rolled half an inch across the varnished floorboards with a dull click, settling into the seam. I remained motionless in the alcove, listening to the hum of the quiet house.